Prevalence and Recovery from Newly Onset Anosmia and Ageusia in Covid 19 Patients at our Teritary Care Centre

Abstract

Anosmia (loss of smell) and Ageusia (loss of taste) are newly presenting independent symptoms in association with multiple symptoms such as Fever, Dry cough and Breathlessness in COVID 19 Patients.The Study of aims is to estimate Prevalence of Anosmia & Ageusia in Confirmed Covid 19 cases and to assess their Recovery rates. A Study conducted between June 2020 and September 2020 at a tertiary care COVID Dedicated hospital. Total 200 patients with age group 12–70 years Confirmed COVID 19 Positive Patients using RTPCR having mild to moderate symptoms were included. Patients were examined Clinically alongwith all safety measures to analyse prevalence & estimate their recoveries from sensory impairement using 10 item based DyNaCHRON questionnaire(concerned with taste and smell) at 10th, 14th & 21st Day. Out of 200 patients, Prevalence of Isolated Ageusia is 7%, Isolated Anosmia 4.5% and with Anosmia and Ageusia 4%. Complete Recovery regained in Ageusia within 14 days, while Rest all patients of Anosmia and both (Anosmia and Ageusia) within 21 days, Except 2 patients where long term Anosmia persists. Newly onset Anosmia and Ageusia are common in early stages of Covid 19 disease. They are Prevalent in mild to moderate symptomatic form of Diseases. Recovery in most cases is rapid and complete.Early Screening tests performed in suspected COVID 19 patients with loss of taste and smell sensation allows early diagnosis and treatment.